Seniors in social sciences take on big policy questions
In their senior capstone projects, students take on original research on topics as varied as housing policy in South Africa and campaign spending in the United States.
Website to help social scientists with field research
When conducting field research around the world, young social scientists can often feel as if they are starting from scratch. A new website envisioned by political scientist Gretchen Helmke will help scholars share resources with other social scientists on the ground.
New faculty books examine sustainability, time, and more
Each academic year, Rochester faculty members publish books that advance scholarship and investigate questions of broad interest. New Reads offers a selection of some of their most recent work.
Why did the US enter World War I?
On April 6, 1917, Congress voted to declare war on Germany, joining the bloody battle—then optimistically called the “Great War.” Rochester political scientist Hein Goemans explains why Germany was willing to risk American entry into the war.
‘This is a golden era’ for TV news
Tommy Evans ’99 has combined his eye for photography and his interest in politics into a journalism career that has led him to the post of London bureau chief at CNN International.
Art and the unseen
Like many Rochester students who thrive on the school’s open curriculum, Dan Hargrove ’17 pursues multiple interests with equal vigor. The international relations major is an accomplished artist who has a “hidden passion” for coral reefs, and has maintained one in an aquarium at home since he was 14 years old.
Political scientists nationwide voice concerns about Trump presidency
In an effort spearheaded by Rochester faculty, more than 300 political scientists from across the United States have signed a statement voicing their collective concern about Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
American Elections class zeroes in on Clinton, Trump matchup
As a freshman, Skylar Cerbone ’20 normally wouldn’t take Lynda Powell’s intermediate course, American Elections, this fall. But Cerbone didn’t want to wait. “It’s a presidential election year,” the political science major says. “I had to take this class now. It’s too important not to.”
‘NATO is not a golf club’
Recent statements and revelations about Donald Trump, NATO, Russia, and the Ukraine have left political science professor Randall Stone wondering, “whether this a novel written by Tom Clancy or whether this is an episode of House of Cards.” / WXXI.org
Why Rousseff’s impeachment battle is bad for Brazil – but could be good for democracy
Associate professor and chair of political science Gretchen Helmke asks whether ousting Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff will end the country’s vicious cycle of political corruption. / Reuters